Jaundice

Description

A yellow color in the skin, the mucous membranes, and the eyes. Jaundice is not a disease but a sign of disease and it has many causes. The yellow discoloration is caused by an elevation of bilirubin. Bilirubin is produced from the breakdown of red blood cells and is processed in the liver and stored in the gall bladder. Elevation occurs from blockage of the bile ducts, liver failure, or from increased production of bilirubin secondary to abnormal breakdown of red blood cells. Jaundice is common in the newborn and sometimes treated with the application of special lights (phototherapy).

Symptoms

Yellowing of the skin, yellowing of the eyes, yellowing of the inside of the mouth.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Determining the cause of the jaundice may require multiple tests including evaluation of the blood and imaging tests.

Treatment

Therapy is aimed at determining the cause of the elevated bilirubin and reducing the level. In newborns with only mild jaundice watchful waiting is frequently recommended since many times the jaundice self corrects itself in the first 2 weeks of life. If the level increases or continues to increase phototherapy is prescribed. More severe forms of jaundice may require intravenous immunoglobulin, or exchange blood transfusion.

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